Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Why Early Motion Matters
· Written by Mr Sam Nahas, Consultant Knee Surgeon
Important note: Every knee and every recovery is different. The guidance below is general and will be tailored to you by your physiotherapist and by Mr Nahas, knee-only specialist at Circle Reading. If anything doesn't feel right, please get in touch.
Why move early (gently)?
- •Ease stiffness: Regular, comfortable bending and straightening helps tissues stay supple.
- •Support healing: Light movement helps circulation and can reduce swelling.
- •Build confidence: Small, safe steps done consistently show you (and your knee) what's possible.
How it usually looks (broadly)
- •Early on: Short, frequent bouts of your prescribed home exercises + brief assisted walks.
- •As you settle: Gradually add day-to-day tasks (standing from a chair, short indoor walks).
- •Later: Progress to light strengthening and, if cleared, low-impact cardio (e.g., a stationary bike).
My specific target with patients
- •Why this matters: Often what you put in is what you get out. If you achieve ~90° before surgery, I can usually improve things during the operation. But because muscles and tendons may have been tight for years, there can be natural limits to how much more we can gain afterwards—some people do exceed this, but not everyone.
- •The key is steady, patient effort with your exercises, good swelling control, and consistent follow-up.
Helpful habits
- •Little and often: Short, regular sessions beat occasional big efforts.
- •Manage swelling: Ice/elevate as advised; movement is easier when swelling is controlled.
- •Use walking aids well: Keep your walking pattern even; we'll guide when to reduce support.
What to avoid
- •Forcing range into sharp pain.
- •Long periods of sitting—take gentle "movement breaks."
- •Stopping completely after a slow day—gentle consistency wins.
When to get in touch New/worsening calf pain, fever, wound redness/discharge, or a sudden increase in swelling—contact us promptly.
Every knee is different. If you would like this looked at properly, Mr Nahas offers consultations within a week at Circle Reading Hospital.
Book a consultation